Chapters
How Are You
Two friends bump into each other at a café — learn how Chinese speakers actually ask about each other's day.
Phone and Text Greetings
Ring ring! Learn the one word every Chinese phone call starts with — and the WeChat openers that actually get a reply.
Hello and Hi
Your very first Chinese words — from a formal greeting to a casual wave between friends.
Nice to Meet You
A business dinner, a handshake, and the polite phrases that make a great first impression in Chinese.
Long Time No See
An old college friend appears at the supermarket — what do you say after two years apart?
Ordering a Coffee
Learn to order your favorite coffee and master the art of scanning to pay.
Taking a Taxi
Learn how to tell a taxi driver where you want to go and ask for a receipt.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Essential phrases for asking for the Wi-Fi password at a restaurant or cafe.
Where is the Restroom?
How to ask for directions when you really need to find a restroom.
Paying the Bill
Learn how to ask for the bill and pay with Alipay or WeChat.
Taking the Subway
Navigate the subway system, top up your card, and get to your destination.
At the Convenience Store
Buy a drink and answer the cashier's common questions effectively.
Asking for Help
What to do when you get lost and your phone runs out of battery.
Checking into a Hotel
Check in smoothly and ask about breakfast times and locations.
Buying a Ticket
Buy a train ticket at the station and choose the best departure time.
Seeing a Doctor
Describe your symptoms, undergo an examination, and understand the prescription.
Taking a Bus
Experience taking a crowded public bus during the busy morning rush hour.
Going to the Pharmacy
How to buy basic medicine like cold pills and painkillers at the local pharmacy.
Buying Groceries
How to buy fresh groceries at the supermarket and communicate with the cashier.
Opening a Bank Account
Wait in line to open a debit card and activate mobile banking.
Making a Phone Call
Make a call, speak with a roommate, and leave a simple message.
Buying Clothes
Go to the shopping mall during a weekend sale, try on clothes, and pay.
Booking a Flight
Book an airplane ticket, arrive at the airport, and check your luggage.
Exercising at the Park
Join the morning crowd in the park for Tai Chi and jogging.
Returning an Item
What to say when returning or exchanging an incorrect item at a store.
Checking the Weather
Check the weather forecast and precipitation probability on your phone.
Ordering Food
Essential phrases for asking for recommendations and ordering your favorite dishes.
Complaining about Noise
Politely ask your upstairs neighbor to turn the music down.
Mailing a Package
Fill out an express waybill and send local specialties via standard mail.
Renting an Apartment
Talk with an agent to view apartments and sign a long-term rental contract.
Getting a Haircut
How to make an appointment and communicate your desired hairstyle to a hairdresser.